Conneaut Lake Park

                        Conneaut Lake Park by Michael E. Costello
                        Images of America Series
                        Price: $19.99
                        ISBN: 0-7385-3779-9
                        128 pages/softcover
                        Estimated Publication Date: June 2005

In 1877, a humble boat landing was constructed on Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania's largest natural lake. Colonel Frank Mantor, a visionary, discovered and purchased the property and convinced investors from the Pittsburgh, Shenango, and Lake Erie Railroad to extend the railroad line to a newly built resort on the site.

In 1892, Exposition Park - A permanent fair exhibiting machinery and livestock - was founded. Amusement rides were added alongside hotels, cottages, restaurants, and other businesses. The resort grew into an amusement park and was renamed Conneaut Lake Park in 1920.

Conneaut Lake Park illustrates the evolution of this lakeside resort with images of long-gone attractions as the Hotel Elmwood, Temple of Music, Jungle Cruise, Fairyland Forest, and Wild Mouse.

Michael E. Costello, a member of the American Coaster Enthusiasts, has been visiting Conneaut Lake Park since the mid- 1980s. He co-produced a documentary about the park in 2001 and has worked as a ride operator. In 2002, he took a turn as the park mascot, Connie Otter. Costello maintains a Web site called Mike's Historic Amusement Parks and designs the Conneaut Lake Park map.